Giant Wood Hoverfly vs Lesser Cattle Grub
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Wood Hoverfly | Lesser Cattle Grub |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Temnostoma vespiforme | Hypoderma lineatum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 11-13 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Farmland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Wood Hoverfly
A large, wasp-mimicking hoverfly with yellow and black banding and a slender waist. Its larvae develop in decaying wood of fallen trees in old-growth forests.
Did You Know?
It is considered an indicator species for ancient woodland due to its dependence on large volumes of decaying timber.
Lesser Cattle Grub
A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.
Did You Know?
Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.